Nifedipine

Nifedipine is given for the treatment of hypertension, or to help prevent angina chest pain.

Nifedipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. Nifedipine works by causing some of blood vessels to relax and widen. This then lowers blood pressure. Nifedipine also increases the flow of blood to places like hands and feet. Nifedipine reduces the force and the rate of heartbeat, and this helps to prevent angina chest pain. Nifedipine works blocking the amount of calcium that goes into the 'smooth' muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels and in the heart. Calcium is needed for muscles to contract, so reducing the amount of calcium using Nifedipine causes the muscle cells to relax.

Patients who take Nifedipine may suffer from such side effects;

Fatigue,
Ankle swelling,
Sleepiness,
Headache,
Nausea,
Dizziness,
Flushing,
Palpitations,
Edema,
Abdominal pain